Key Takeaways

• Professional roof cleaning in 2025 typically costs $250 to $900, depending on your roof’s size, type, and level of dirt or moss buildup.
• Soft washing is the most common method and usually the safest for shingles, while pressure washing is used for harder materials like metal or tile.
• Moss, algae, mold, and steep roof pitches can increase the overall cost.
• Regular cleaning can extend your roof’s lifespan, improve curb appeal, and help prevent costly repairs.
• Prices vary by location and accessibility—if your roof is hard to reach or requires special equipment, expect to pay more.

The average roof cleaning cost in 2025 ranges from $250 to $900, depending on the roof type, size, pitch, cleaning method used, and the amount of moss, algae, or debris. Most homeowners pay around $0.20 to $0.70 per square foot for a standard professional roof wash.

Introduction: How Much Does Roof Cleaning Cost? (And Why It’s More Important Than You Think)

If you’ve ever looked up at your roof and thought, “Was it always that… green?” — welcome to the club. I remember the first time I noticed moss creeping across my shingles. For a split second, I convinced myself it added “character,” like an old European cottage. Spoiler: it didn’t. It just added potential repair bills.

Roof cleaning isn’t the most glamorous part of homeownership, but trust me, it’s one of the most underrated ways to protect your investment. The cost? Well, that depends on a few things — and sometimes it feels like your roof is negotiating with your wallet directly.

Let’s break it down like a professional, but tell it like someone who has slipped on a wet roof before (don’t ask).

Understanding Roof Cleaning Costs

Roof cleaning prices vary the way grocery prices do when you’re hungry: everything suddenly seems higher. But once you understand what goes into the process, the cost starts to make sense.

The Average Cost Range

Most homeowners pay between:

• $250 and $500 for small to medium roofs
• $600 to $900+ for larger or steeper roofs

What Affects the Price Most

A roof that’s flat, small, and relatively clean?
Cheap.

A roof that looks like the set of a moss-themed documentary?
Not so cheap.

Professionals price roof cleaning based on:

• Square footage
• Roof material
• Roof pitch
• Level of buildup
• Accessibility
• Regional labor rates

Read Also: How to Clean a Metal Roof from the Ground

Key Factors That Influence Roof Cleaning Prices

Roof Size

The bigger the roof, the bigger the bill. Simple math.

Roof Type

Different materials require different cleaning methods.

Roof Type	Average Cost	Difficulty	Notes
Asphalt Shingle	$250–$500	Medium	Soft wash only
Metal	$300–$600	Low	Handles pressure washing
Tile (Clay/Concrete)	$400–$800	High	Fragile and labor-intensive
Slate	$500–$900	Very High	Requires delicate cleaning
Cedar Shake	$450–$850	High	Needs specialized treatment

Roof Pitch & Accessibility

If your roof feels like a mountain range, expect higher costs due to safety equipment and extended labor time.

Level of Dirt, Moss & Algae

Moss = money.
Algae = even more money.
Mold = you may cry a little.

Height of Home

Two-story homes usually cost more due to ladder height and safety gear.

Read Also: How to Prevent Slipping on a Metal Roof

Different Roof Cleaning Methods and Their Cost Differences

Soft Washing

Safe for shingles and most residential roofs.
Cost: $0.20–$0.40 per sq. ft.

Pressure Washing

Used on sturdy surfaces like metal or tile.
Cost: $0.30–$0.70 per sq. ft.

Chemical/Moss Treatment

Breaks down moss and algae growth.
Cost: $150–$400 extra, depending on coverage.

Manual Cleaning

When moss is thick or embedded.
Cost: Higher labor cost due to time and effort.

Eco-Friendly Cleaning

Organic, non-toxic formulas.
Cost: Slightly higher but great for families and gardens.

Cost Breakdown by Roof Type

Asphalt Shingle Roof Cleaning

Most common and most affordable.
Cost: $250–$500
Soft washing only (pressure washing can damage shingles).

Metal Roof Cleaning

Durable and easy to wash.
Cost: $300–$600

Tile Roof Cleaning (Clay/Concrete)

Fragile tiles need careful handling.
Cost: $400–$800

Slate Roof Cleaning

Very delicate and expensive to clean.
Cost: $500–$900+

Cedar Shake Cleaning

Needs specialized washing and brighteners.
Cost: $450–$850

Read Also: How to Build a Sunroom on a Deck

Cost Breakdown by Roof Size

Roof Size	Estimated Cost
Small (1,000 sq. ft.)	$200–$300
Medium (1,500–2,000 sq. ft.)	$300–$600
Large (2,500–3,000 sq. ft.)	$600–$900
Very Large (3,500+ sq. ft.)	$900+

Additional Services That Affect Pricing

Moss & Algae Treatment

$100–$300 depending on severity.

Gutter Cleaning Add-On

$70–$150
(Highly recommended — clean roof + clogged gutters = disaster.)

Roof Sealing & Coatings

$0.50–$1.50 per sq. ft.

Roof Inspection

$75–$150
(Sometimes included for free.)

Debris Removal

Leaves, branches, nesting material:
$50–$150

Read Also: Demystifying Roof Rakes

Roof Cleaning Costs: DIY vs Professional Cleaning

When DIY Makes Sense

• Light dirt
• Single-story house
• Flat or low-slope roof

What You’ll Need

• Soft washing detergent
• Garden sprayer
• Ladder
• Safety shoes

Risks of DIY

• Falling (trust me, gravity is undefeated)
• Damaging shingles
• Voiding your roof warranty
• Incorrect chemicals staining your roof

When Professionals Are Worth It

• Heavy moss
• Tile or slate roofs
• Steep roofs
• Multi-story homes

Read Also: Effective Ways to Rid Pigeons from Your Roof

How Often Should You Clean Your Roof?

Most roofs should be cleaned every:

• 12–24 months for standard roofs
• 6–12 months in humid or coastal areas
• 6 months if you notice moss or algae quickly returning

Signs Your Roof Needs Cleaning

• Black streaks
• Thick moss
• Bird droppings
• Clogged gutters
• Patchy discoloration

How to Save Money on Roof Cleaning

Practical Tips

• Schedule in off-season (winter or early spring)
• Bundle roof + gutter cleaning
• Ask about annual maintenance discounts
• Prevent moss growth with zinc or copper strips

How Long Does Roof Cleaning Take?

• Small roofs: 1–2 hours
• Medium roofs: 2–4 hours
• Large roofs: 4–6 hours
• Heavy moss jobs: All day (prepare snacks)

Weather can also extend drying and treatment times.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Roof Cleaning Company

• Which cleaning method do you recommend for my roof type?
• Are you insured for roof work?
• Is moss treatment included?
• Any additional fees I should know about?
• Do you offer a warranty on your cleaning?

Common Roof Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

• Using high-pressure washing on shingles
• Hiring the cheapest company
• Allowing moss to spread unchecked
• Ignoring gutter maintenance
• Over-cleaning, which weakens shingles

Frequently Asked Questions

Summary of the Blog

Roof cleaning costs in 2025 range from $250 to $900, depending on your roof’s size, material, and condition. Soft washing is the safest and most common method, while moss, algae, steep pitches, and fragile materials increase the price. Whether you hire a pro or try DIY, keeping your roof clean is one of the simplest ways to protect your home’s lifespan and appearance. A little maintenance today can save you from a major repair bill tomorrow.